VIDEO: Around 9 a.m. last Wednesday, in the quiet, coastal fishing town of Cordova, the familiar sounds of cawing crows and low idling boat motors were muted by the city's tsunami siren. While it was only a test, the response was rapid and very real. Within minutes emergency response personnel loaded into fire trucks and ambulances, rolling out of the sea-level base garage following the tsunami route signs to higher ground. Meanwhile, over at Cordova's City Hall, city officials evacuated their low-lying building to set up an emergency operation center in the U.S. Forest Service on the corner of Second Street and Federal Avenue. It was all part of a full-scale disaster response exercise known as Alaska EX, a practice drill that tests a community's ability to implement emergency protocols in the wake of a major event.  

VIDEOS: Two people were killed after a house exploded in Crescent Township, Allegheny County. Authorities say the blast was reported shortly before 9 a.m. Tuesday. Units from Crescent, Moon and Sewickley responded to the scene, as well as responders from Ambridge. Two people, 87-year-old Helen H. Mitchell and 89-year-old David L. Mitchell Jr., were killed in the blast in the 1400 block of Riverview Road, according to the county medical examiner. Both were found dead at the scene. "[It was a] very significant explosion," said Allegheny County Division Fire Chief Andrew Tomer. "You could feel it in your chest." "I froze and I ran outside because I thought it was something in the factory or a truck hit our building," said John Bundy with Premier Pan, whose building is near the explosion site.  

VIDEO/PHOTOS: Big Apple's Bravest and Finest are about to come to blows. FDNY firefighter Danny Quinn of Ladder 9 and NYPD Sgt. Jesse Peterford, of the 61st precinct, will slug it out Thursday when they face off in the boxing ring for a highly anticipated rematch during the Big Apple first-ever International Battle of the Badges. The pair's bout is one of more than a dozen matches between FDNY personnel and other firefighters and law enforcement from across the world. Quinn looks to retain his edge against Peterford after notching a win by decision during last year's charitable boxing match. Both public servants told The Post on Monday during a pre-match weigh-in that they have been training multiple days a week, watching what they eat and cutting out all the booze in hopes of tasting victory Thursday night.  

First responders in Elliott County are mourning two of their own. In a Facebook Post late Tuesday night Elliott County, Kentucky EMS posted that an EMT and a firefighter both lost their lives on the same day. "It is with profound sadness that we inform you of the sudden and untimely passing of one of our EMTs, Drake Adams. Our hearts ache as we ask you to hold Drake's beloved wife Ruby, his children, and all those who cherished him in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time." The post goes on to say: "In addition, we extend our heartfelt sympathies to the 504 Fire Department for the loss of Firefighter Frank Whitt. Both Drake and Frank exemplified unwavering dedication to serving others, and their absence leaves a void that cannot be easily filled. To Drake, Frank, and all our fallen comrades: We will carry on in your honor. End of Watch: 3/12/2024."